Document type : Written answer from the European Commission
Authors: Question: Eleonora Evi (Greens/EFA). Answer: Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission
Question in French (translation): New Italian animal welfare certification and labeling system
Following the transformation of its "Decreto Rilancio" (Recovery Decree) into law, Italy has established a "National Quality System for Animal Welfare " (SNQBA). Membership of this system is voluntary and its objective is to issue animal welfare certificates that meet higher requirements than those set by European and national legislation, including the corresponding labeling.
From the information available, it would appear that operators rearing pigs with cut tails will also have access to the SNQBA.
Can the Commission comment on whether:
1. Granting access to the SNQBA, albeit conditionally and temporarily, to operators who continue to dock pigs is compatible with Directive 2008/120/EC(3) and its accompanying Recommendation (EU) 2016/336;
2. Such labelling can be a useful information tool for consumers in the absence of clear guidance on production methods;
3. this national labeling is consistent with the transition to more ethical, sustainable, and cage-free farming systems, which is the goal of the legislative review underway as part of the Farm to Table strategy, and in particular with EU labeling based on production methods and the commitment to ban cage systems?
Answer in French (translation): The Commission has not received any information on the 'national quality system for animal welfare' mentioned by the Honourable Member. It is therefore unable to comment on its content at this stage.
The Commission is in contact with the Italian authorities on their action plan to comply with the requirement to ban systematic docking. In addition, as part of the "farm to table" strategy, the Commission will review all EU legislation on animal welfare, including that of pigs, and will consider an initiative on animal welfare labelling.
